4 Islamic State terrorists killed while trying to target security sites in Kirkuk

Kirkuk (Iraqinews.com) – Four Islamic State (IS) terrorists were killed Monday while trying to attack security and residential sites in Kirkuk, Alghad Press quoted the security media center as saying in a statement.

“Troops of the 11th brigade of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) killed four terrorists of the Islamic State group near a security checkpoint in al-Riyadh district, southwest of Kirkuk,” the statement read.

“According to preliminary reports, the terrorists were planning to target security and residential sites in the city,” the center said, adding that the pro-government forces of al-Hashd al-Shaabi managed to foil their plot and launched an operation to secure the whole area.

Kirkuk officials previously urged reinforcing military troops in the south and west of the province, as the region still has Islamic State members who escaped during liberation of Hawija to remote areas.

The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.

Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.